Serving Needs and Attracting Usersby Partnering With Operation WarmBy Cornelia Beckett Public librarians are always looking to attract new users, especially those who need help the most. The charity Operation Warm, which distributes new coats and new books to kids, smartly saw public libraries as natural partners. In this case study, Cornelia Beckett explains how the Enoch Pratt Free Library worked with Operation Warm to help youngsters in Baltimore, detailing the outreach strategies used to connect with specific geographic and demographic targets.

Feature

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Keep Promoting Your Libraries During the COVID-19 Pandemic
By Kathy Dempsey
Even though most library buildings around the world are closed now, this is no time for a (much-needed, well-deserved) holiday. Savvy library marketers are working harder than ever. While shuttered buildings lead people to think libraries are closed, of course, the digital branches (websites) are still open. And if you want to ensure your funding for when it’s safe to open again, you’d best be measuring and proving your ROI now.

How-To

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‘Surfacing’ Your Library Long Before You Need SupportBy
Patrick “PC” Sweeney If your library will be up for a vote (on funding or any type of support) within the next 5 years, it’s time to start “surfacing.” That’s the political term for introducing yourself to voters and laying the foundations for campaigns to come. It helps ensure that, by the time you announce your appearance on a ballot, people will already know your organization, what it does, and why it’s worth voting for. Patrick Sweeney, an award-winning political consultant for libraries, explains how to get started.

Special Report

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Seeing PLA 2020 Through a Marketing Lens
By Kathy Dempsey
To cover the PLA 2020 Conference, MLS editor Kathy Dempsey traveled to Nashville. She focused on a wide array of subjects and zoomed in on the hottest marketing topics. See PLA’s 75th anniversary event through her eyes.

ICYMI

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Librarians Go the Extra Mile, Wonder Woman to Join Us
by Kathy Dempsey
This issue’s tidbits cover the winner of the annual Light the Way Grant and a call for submissions for a new community impact prize. In addition, there are useful articles and papers, a library built in Minecraft, and, of course, links to COVID-19 coverage about libraries. But have no fear, in September, Wonder Woman will be here!